Phrase guide

hum and haw

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˌhʌm ənd ˈhɔː/

1

verb

Meaning 1

To procrastinate; to take a long time before doing something or taking a decision.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK, idiomatic

Examples

  • We hummed and hawed before finally deciding to buy this house.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: soutaa ja huovata — Procrastinate indecisively